1. Senior Parent Night Class of 2014
Sherry Hart
Senior Counselor
x 13605

2. Communication Bryant H.S. website - http://bryant.mcs.schoolinsites
Many announcements will be on the homepage.
Also includes a link to the website I will be using
BOOKMARK THIS PAGE! Check back often.
Facebook – “AlmaBryant High School Class of 2014”
A group has been created to help you and your child stay up to date on all announcements. Please allow yourself to be added to this group. Also, please add

3. Graduation Requirements
Credit Requirements
Regular/Advanced Diploma 28 required
Honors Diploma 30 required
3.5 GPA required, all honors core classes

4. Graduation Requirements
Career Portfolio
Is now required to meet graduation requirements (Board Approved 5/29/13).
Based on knowledge gained while exploring career opportunities in Career Cruising ( the minimum career portfolio requirements include:
Typed letter of introduction
Typed resume/Career Pursuit Information
Evidence of career exploration
The purpose of the portfolio is to highlight academic, community and personal accomplishments. Opportunities to complete requirements will be given during school hours.

5. Career Cruising www.careercruising.com
Career Matchmaker (interest inventory)
In depth occupations files with multimedia interviews
Explore colleges & universities (including cost)
Financial aid info (scholarship search tool)
Portfolio Tool – includes professional resume builder
User ID and password required to log on. Directions on the website.
Please see the lavender handouts. Many students registered in PrepHQ. If they did they will use the instruction sheet “Connect Upgrade Instructions”. All other students will need the other instruction sheet & student id # which can be obtained by the counselors.

6. Senior Year Myths
MYTH
College isn’t in my future. I have too many other responsibilities.
FACT
College includes any postsecondary education, including vocational training, certificate programs, & degree programs.
You Can Go! Visit to view the wealth of information available.

7. Senior Year Myths MYTH FACT
It’s time to take it easy because I’m a senior! I think I will drop math second semester and take an elective….
Oh no! Junior year helps prepare for college acceptance, senior year prepares for college level study. Choices made during 12th grade set the tone for college. Don’t pay for remedial college courses (skills that should be obtained for free in high school).

8. Senior Year Myths MYTH FACT
I got into USA, U of Ala, Auburn (or any other college) so I don’t have to work too hard the rest of the year!
College admissions is contingent. Students must maintain the integrity of their grades and course of study throughout 12th grade. Final transcripts are sent in June to confirm. Admissions can be revoked!

9. Senior Year Myths Myth FACT
I have to go away to college since all of my friends are going away…
The away experience is expensive and not for everyone. Investigate other options (BSCC, FSCC )
BSCC /FSCC $11,000
4 yr public university (not living on campus)
4 public university(in state, on campus) - $25,000

10. Senior Year Myths MYTH FACT
If I go to a community college I’m a loser….credits won’t transfer…
Community College may be the best bang for your buck! The first 2 yrs of college are simply piling through requirements. Community Colleges offer these classes that will transfer (not remedial courses) and for a fraction of the cost.

11. Post High School Options
“Not all children need college, but all children need an education.”
Technical or Trade School
Military Service, Military Academies, ROTC
Community College
College & Universities
Apprenticeships & employment opportunities
College & Career Readiness are now stressed as one in the same.

12. Military Military Service Academies
Top-notch college education for the price of a military commitment upon graduation-no monetary cost. All academy graduates are commissioned officers of their respective services. Visit the websites for admission information. Students should start early if considering an Academy. Academy Night is sponsored by Rep. Jo Bonner each year. However, this year is questionable.

13. Military College ROTC program
Most major universities offer ROTC scholarships that fully cover all costs for a college education. The scholarships offer not only tuition & fees but a generous monthly stipend to help with room & board & books. FRESHMAN ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS offer nearly a full ride for the first year of college WITH NO MILITARY COMMITMENT!! Hard to believe, but true. If at the end of your first year, you decide to withdraw from the ROTC program at the college, you can walk away. THE CATCH: Freshman ROTC scholarships are highly competitive. GPA & ACT/SAT are factors. If you decide to continue in the ROTC program for all four years of college, you will owe the service a military commitment. If you don’t mind following orders and are self-disciplined, give an ROTC scholarship thoughtful consideration.

14. Military
The entrance test for all military branches is the ASVAB, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. It will be administered at BHS on Dec. 5th & 6th. Mrs. Fields will need to be informed if you wish to take it.
BHS Military Recruiters – visit quite often. Contact them if you are interested in joining the military right after high school. See me for name and contact information of specific military branch recruiter.

15. College Proprietary Schools/AKA For Profit Schools
Remington, Virginia College, UTI, ITT, Fortis…
Be aware that most of the courses that are taken at schools such as these are not transferable to a 4 year university.

16. College 2 year / Community Colleges
Offer certificates, degrees, and transferrable credits at much lower costs.
Offer specialized programs that only require a 2yr degree
APPLY ONLINE. There is no application fee
Can apply anytime during senior year. Most applications are online or download the PDF.

17. 4 year Colleges/Universities
Student must have taken ACT/SAT for admissions
ACT test dates, registration, & scores to send to colleges
SAT registration & scores to send to colleges, AP (Advanced Placement) info

18. The Internet, Email, and the College Selection Process
The Internet, including , is a necessary resource to search for and communicate
with colleges. Students are encouraged to create a professional account
for sending and receiving college information. Many
recruiters readily give their addresses and most are quick to respond. Students
need to be more careful with their personal information. Colleges are asking for
Facebook accounts.
Be sure to visit college websites. There is an abundance of information such as,
admission requirements, application procedures, deadlines, prerequisites, financial aid /
scholarships. In addition, many schools have “virtual” tours of the campus. While this
“tour” does not replace an in-person, college visit, it certainly can offer you a glimpse of
the environment.

19. College The Application Process 4 year College/University
Decide where to apply
Consider your deadlines!
Writing your essay if the application includes one
Completing the application and the transcript release form
Requesting recommendations if needed
Taking and sending ACT and SAT
Researching and applying for scholarships

20. The Application Process
Decide Where to Apply
The number of schools will vary from person to person. Visit the school. “Fit” is most important. Worry less about the institution’s name and more about the “fit”. Make sure you have the basic requirements for admission and that the college has the program you want to study.
Know Your Deadlines
Keep a list of deadlines and a “to do” list. Check it often. If you miss a deadline there is NOTHING you can do about it!

21. The Application Process
Should I Apply Online?
Many colleges encourage or require online submission. Keep a copy of what you submit in a file folder at home with anything you submit to colleges. AFTER you apply, complete a transcript release form. If there is a school report form, you will be asked to send the counselor’s address so the counselor can complete the report.

22. The Application Process
Should I Apply Online (continued)
Teacher Recommendations usually follow the same process. You will put in the teachers’ address and they will be notified that you are requesting a recommendation.
You will be prompted to pay with a credit card. Make sure you keep records of your payments.

23. The Application Process
Requesting Recommendations
Choose carefully: Colleges want academic teachers who have taught you within the past two years. Pick teachers who you feel know you the best.
Start early: Ask teachers early. They are very busy with classroom work and are often asked for letters. Allow them plenty of time. Be sure to write a thank you note also!

24. The Application Process
Taking and Sending ACT and SAT Scores
It is your responsibility to register for and take the ACT or SAT. You should register online. A photo upload is now REQUIRED or your registration will be canceled.
Bryant HS will only send your ACT score along with your transcript if you request this. Some colleges may not accept it from BHS so it is best you send it directly from ACT.

25. The Application Process
Researching and Applying for Scholarships
The bulk of money is merit money awarded by individual colleges (GPA/ACT). Many schools have early deadlines. Some schools have specific applications for scholarships and others will automatically award money based on your application. Begin researching for scholarships early. Check the website frequently.

26. Student Responsibilities
Fill out college/scholarship/NCAA applications
Be sure to meet all application deadlines. Check college websites and contact the admissions office to be sure. (Many colleges visit often in the fall. Check Mrs. Hart’s calendar)
Bring items to be sent to the guidance office. Don’t assume the counselor knows your child is applying to a school. Complete a “transcript request form” and check any/all colleges applied to.
Student Profile Form should be completed thoroughly. This is used to write letters of recommendation (if needed)

27. Top 10 College Application Mistakes
Misspellings and grammatical errors
Applying online, but the application is not actually submitted
Forget to sign the application
Not reading directions carefully
Writing illegibly
Not completing a “transcript request form” so that the official transcript is sent
Using an address that is not appropriate (sexydancer01…) or have inappropriate pics on FACEBOOK/MYSPACE…
Not checking regularly
Letting Mom or Dad fill out college applications/write essays

28. Student Responsibilities
Sign up for & take the ACT/SAT. Fee waivers available for students receiving free/reduced lunch
Be sure to have ACT/SAT scores sent to colleges: If requested when registering for test, no additional request is required.
NCAA/Students aspiring D1 or D2 athletics: meet with counselor to assure all high school classes align with NCAA standards. Students must go to to file an application to be cleared. A transcript must be sent for NCAA clearing. ACT/SAT scores must also be sent. When registering for ACT/SAT, NCAA code is 9999 for scores to be sent without add’l request.

29. Financial Aid
Financial aid is any scholarship, grant, work study, or loan that will help pay for college.
File FAFSA (free application for student aid) no sooner than Jan. 1; but before March 1.
Do not pay an agency to assist with financial aid. Use our guidance office and college financial aid offices for assistance. (fafsa.com is a scam website – never pay to complete the FAFSA). Do not pay for a scholarship search either!
A Financial Aid workshop will be held at BHS in January. Exact date & time TBD.

30. Financial Aid Types of Financial Aid
Federal government aid – need based
Admissions scholarships – GPA based (beware deadlines)
Private foundations – need & GPA based
Scholarship & grants – need & GPA based
Call US Dept of Ed FEDAID

31. Helpful sites Help with ACT/SAT
Visit the BHS website for a link to Testing Help!
$79 fee; National ACT prep course offered at BHS Sept 30 & Oct 1; 3:00 – 5:30 (just prior to the Oct administration) Must register online.

32. Other Notes… Seniors are allowed 2 college/military
visits (excused) for the year. See Mrs. Hart for form. It can also be downloaded at the school/my website.
MCPSS College & Career Days – Oct 30 & 31; all seniors will attend at USA Mitchell Center (field trip). Over 200 booths set up, colleges, military, career fields, etc…
Most university scholarship deadlines –
Dec. 1st. You must apply by this date. (USA, UofA, Auburn, Springhill)